By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department
It’s been a good year for A.C. Reynolds High School’s band and director Sean Smith.
The Symphonic Band earned a chance to perform at the North Carolina Music Educators Association conference earlier this month. The piece was superb.
“I’m still getting texts and emails about how incredible the band sounded and how cool it was,” Mr. Smith said. “I’m proud of the program and proud of the kids.”
On Tuesday, Principal Doris Sellers joined BCS Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin and Associate Superintendent Susanne Swanger to recognize the students and Mr. Smith for two more momentous accomplishments. The Symphonic Band is the only band in North Carolina to achieve the highest National Mark of Excellence from the Foundation for Music Excellence. Additionally, Mr. Smith has been named a Top 10 finalist for the nationwide Music & Arts Educator of the Year.
“You’re a world-class band with a world-class instructor,” Dr. Baldwin said to Mr. Smith. “You’ve done an awesome job, and the whole district is proud of you.”
Reynolds High supports the “three As,” Ms. Sellers said- academics, athletics, and the arts.
“Our community believes in each one of those, and you can sense how hard we work to pursue excellence,” she said.